Sadler replaces Barry Hinson, who served as Kansas coach Bill Self’s director of basketball operations the past two seasons. Hinson was recently hired as head coach at Southern Illinois.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity to have a chance to get back into college basketball,” Sadler said in a statement announcing his hiring. “When making decisions, I really thought I would sit out this year, but when this came along I don’t think anyone would ever pass it up.”

Nebraska went 12-18 last year in its first Big Ten season. Overall, Sadler owns a record of 269-146, including a 149-107 in eight seasons at the Division I level. He reached the postseason nine times at his various stops.